The ‘golden rules’ you should follow to create the perfect beach day

Picture this: It’s a bright and sunny day, there’s not a cloud in sight, and you have nothing planned. The beach is practically on its knees, begging you to set down a towel and read a book by the sea.

So you pack your bathers and all your beach essentials, get in the car and make your way to the nearest beach. Then, after spending a few agonising minutes searching for the perfect spot, you lay down your towel and settle in for an afternoon of bliss.

Then the piercing sound of someone’s speakers hits your left eardrum – you sit up and see another group of people setting up their tent and towels directly next to you, blasting music from their speakers to the surrounding strangers.

Beach etiquette is a tricky subject; while you want everyone to have a great time enjoying the crashing waves, some people can quickly take these privileges a little too far.

According to Kate Heussler, entrepreneur and etiquette expert, a trip to the beach can quickly turn to an excruciating affair unless you follow “a few golden rules”.

It starts with the right spot to place your towel or tent – the best tip is to keep your distance between strangers, within reason.

“Imagine arriving at a near-empty restaurant, and someone sits right next to you — it’s a bit odd, right?” she asked. “Give people their personal ‘beach bubble’.’

Of course, during peak beach periods, this can be easier said than done. “Peak summer days and holidays are typically when room to spread out isn’t always possible,” Heussler said.

“On those days you can’t be too picky, grab a spot of sand where you can. On a typical beach day, I’d say a good beach guideline is a couple of metres at least — enough space to avoid a surprise suntan oil splash or a sand-covered beach bag.”

The same goes for setting up your tent; avoid placing it directly in front of another person’s view. “It’s like blocking someone’s view at the movies but without the popcorn,” Heussler said. “Check sightlines and set up a bit off to the side.”

The key to getting the perfect spot? Plan ahead.

“If you plan ahead, you might be one of the first ones down at the beach, in which case you have ‘pick of the litter’, as they say,” she continued.

And when it comes to music, there’s the right time and place to blast your bops.

“The beach is a public space, and everyone’s on their own ‘vibe’ — so we don’t want to impose our soundtrack on unsuspecting sunbathers,” said Heussler.

“Unless you’re hosting a beach party (and you’ve sent out the invites), keep it low or consider earphones.”

If you do plan on playing music, keep in mind others attending the area, such as families with young children.

“Be mindful of your surroundings; there is a time and place for everything,” she added.

When it comes to keeping the peace at the beach, Heussler offered a few essential rules beachgoers should follow:

1. Keep your sand to yourself. Flicking, kicking, or flinging sand may seem like child’s play, but it’s no fun when it ends up in someone’s sandwich!

2. Eyes off the fries. Seagulls are masters of theft though we don’t have to make it easy for them. Don’t feed them — no one wants a seagull party invading their picnic.

3. Tidy your tide zone. Take every trace with you, from snack wrappers to plastic straws. Leave the beach like you found it (minus the seaweed).